SACRAMENTO – Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) released the following statement regarding President Obama formally enacting the end to the ban on gay Americans serving openly in the military:

"President Obama has fulfilled one of his most significant promises to the American people with today's announcement that Don't Ask, Don't Tell is no longer the policy of the United States military. He has guaranteed that every American, regardless of their sexual orientation, may have the opportunity to serve our nation with the full dignity and pride that comes with wearing the uniform of the United States, and I am grateful for his leadership."

CONTACT: John Vigna (916) 319-2408

Website of Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez: www.asmdc.org/speaker